Diary of a Total Knee Replacement 

After a little delay, I was so excited to be given a date for my operation. Living alone in an two-storey cottage, I knew it would be important to be organised. I was also aware that my mental happiness was as important as my physical one. :)

Operation Minus 1 Week

Having been offered a cancellation, there was just one week to go, which suited me fine. It was plenty of time to get shopping, arrange transportation, batch cook some nutritious meals, re-arrange a little furniture, and do some early spring gardening (hoping we wouldn’t have snow!).

As the bathroom is downstairs, I decided I would sleep on the sofa until ready to go upstairs. Fortunately, there is a sofa bed, but just to make it extra comfy I added the thick mattress topper from my bed. I also knew I would need pillows of various sizes (to prop up my knee) so I took them downstairs, too.

Next, a checklist of everything to purchase, ranging from food, pain medication, ice packs, a flask (easier to carry than a cup of tea!) and, of course, some flowers. :)

I wanted to freeze some homemade meals so bought organic chicken and meat to make casseroles, curries, chillies and pasta sauces. Protein is very important for recovery. I also have a fresh milk delivery subscription, so ordered organic full fat milk to be delivered three times a week.

Re-Arranging the Cottage

My home is very small, but I wanted to make sure everything was within easy reach. The sofa bed was made up with soft pillows, cosy blankets, with a small table next to it. On this there was some bottled water, a small tin of plain biscuits, pain medication, crossword puzzles, chargers, laptop and spare glasses.

I knew I would be sent home with crutches, so checked to see that I could easily navigate my way to the bathroom and also placed a chair there to rest.

The Day!

I arrived at the hospital at 7.00 a.m. and was shown my bed and changed into a gown. My nurse explained the procedure and told me, if all was well, I could return home the following day.

At 12.00 noon a hospital porter took me to the operating theatre. The hospital is very small and specialises in joint replacement, so I felt very comfortable being in the hands of such experts. I was wrapped in a soft blanket, and a warm heating tube was placed beside me, such luxury!!

The anaesthetist asked what level of sedation I wanted (the block would ensure no pain) and was given the opportunity to stay awake, which I took. There was a sheet so I couldn’t see anything, but the noises that came from the other end were interesting, to say the least! :)

After a short while in the recovery room I was taken back to the ward… just in time for tea! As I had not had a full anaesthetic there was no nausea, so I happily tucked into my tuna sandwich, and a delicious cup of tea!

Recuperation

As I began my recuperation, the spinal block began wearing off so was offered an arrangement of pain medication. Although I wanted to take as little as possible, I also knew that physio needed to start immediately. I opted for the mid-range pain relief, feeling reassured that more could be added if needed.

Within a few hours I was up and attempting to take my first steps with a walker. It seemed impossible to imagine that I was going home the following day. Would I be able to manage? 

After a wakeful night, I was grateful for the nurse’s round, when my next pain medication would arrive.

Before I could leave, I had to:

• Walk to the toilet with crutches
• Wash and dress myself
• Have X-rays 
• Begin physio… and climb up and down three stairs!

On My Way Home

Fortunately, I managed all of the tasks and, by early afternoon, was on my way home. A little anxious, but that was only natural. But I was all set up, my home was warm, cosy and comfortable, and several people were popping in during the first week.

I knew recovery might be slow and had to be patient. I needed to heal, take care of myself, do my physio, take my medication and, most importantly, keep myself happy.

After a tiring (and bumpy!) 40-minute journey, I arrived home, pleased that everything was ready for me. I slept an exhausted, disruptive sleep, interspersed with thoughts of ‘have I done the right thing?’

By the next morning, I felt much more in control. My beautiful flowers lifted my spirits, and I knew that by the time they had finished blooming, my healing would be much further ahead.

Slowly, life began at a pace and pattern that suited me. Sleeping in short bursts, any time of the day or night. Having visitors pop by, perhaps with a slice of cake, or a plant for the garden… always with a smile.

My homecooked meals were delicious, and it was even better knowing they were doing me good. I wrote (lots!), completed crosswords, read books, watched films, called and emailed family and friends. It has been a real joy!

This first week I have cared for myself really well, and that has made me proud. The surgeon did a fantastic job giving me a new knee, but I also knew I needed to do my part.

It is still a long way to go until I am fully recovered, but I am doing great and looking forward to so much! Tonight, I am sleeping in my own bed for the first time and that makes me so happy! :)

No-one said it was going to be easy, but I am very grateful that doctors have the skills to help make my life wonderful again, and I am going to enjoy every second.

Now, where shall I go for my next trip? :)

Join the Conversation:

Have you had a joint replacement? What was your experience? How has life changed?